Senior Property Tax Exemptions in Illinois

Illinois doesn't completely eliminate property taxes for seniors at any age. But several state programs can significantly reduce the burden for residents 65 and older—and one program lets you defer payments altogether.

Property taxes are one of the biggest ongoing expenses for homeowners in Will County. For older residents living on fixed incomes, a yearly tax bill in the thousands can feel overwhelming. The good news: Illinois has three separate programs designed to help. Each one works differently, and qualifying for all three can stack up to real savings. Here's a breakdown of what's available and how to apply locally.

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption

This is the most straightforward benefit. If you're 65 or older and own your primary residence, you qualify for a $5,000 reduction in your home's Equalized Assessed Value (EAV). That doesn't mean $5,000 off your tax bill directly—it reduces the taxable value of your property, which then lowers the final amount owed.

• Age requirement: 65 or older during the assessment year
• Income limit: None
• How to apply: One-time application through the Will County Supervisor of Assessments
• Renewal: Automatic—you don't need to reapply each year
• Stacks with: The General Homestead Exemption ($6,000 EAV reduction)

Most seniors who own a home should apply for this one regardless of income. There's no reason not to.

Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze (Senior Freeze)

This is the program that makes the biggest difference for low-income seniors. The Senior Freeze locks your home's assessed value at a base year level, so even if property values in your neighborhood keep climbing, your assessment stays the same. Over several years, the gap between your frozen value and the current market value can grow substantially.

• Age requirement: 65 or older
• Income limit: Combined household income must be under approximately $65,000
• How it works: Your assessed value is frozen at the level it was in the year you first qualified
• Renewal: You must reapply every year—this is not automatic
• Key detail: The freeze applies to assessed value, not the tax rate, so your bill can still change slightly as rates shift

Missing a renewal year means losing your frozen base. If you reapply later, you start with a new (higher) base year. Set a reminder or ask a family member to help with the annual paperwork.

Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program

This program is less well-known but worth understanding. It allows qualifying seniors to defer all or part of their property tax payments. The state essentially pays your taxes for you, and the deferred amount becomes a lien on your property.

• Age requirement: 65 or older
• Income limit: Household income under $55,000
• How it works: Deferred taxes are repaid when the property is sold or transferred
• Interest rate: 6% per year accrues on the deferred amount
• Where to apply: Will County Clerk's office (different from the other two programs)
• Deadline: Applications are typically due by March 1 each year

The deferral program works well for seniors who want to stay in their homes but struggle with annual payments. Keep in mind that interest does accumulate, so the total repayment when the home eventually sells will be higher than the original tax amounts.

How to Apply in Will County

For the Senior Homestead Exemption and Senior Freeze, apply through:

• Will County Supervisor of Assessments
• Address: 58 E. Clinton Street, Joliet, IL 60432
• Phone: (815) 740-4648

For the Tax Deferral Program, apply through the Will County Clerk's office at 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet.

Bring the following documents:

• Proof of age (driver's license, birth certificate, or passport)
• Proof of property ownership (deed or most recent tax bill)
• Income documentation (Social Security statement, tax return, or pension statements)

Additional Tax Relief Programs

Seniors may also qualify for other exemptions that stack with the programs above:

• General Homestead Exemption: Reduces EAV by $6,000 for all owner-occupied homes—not just seniors. If you haven't applied for this one yet, do it at the same time.
• Disabled Veterans' Exemption: Veterans with service-connected disabilities can receive additional reductions based on disability percentage.
• Long-time Homeowner Exemption: For residents who have owned and lived in their home for at least 10 continuous years, with a household income of $100,000 or less.